FoodBoost your health: The surprising benefits of sheep cheese

Boost your health: The surprising benefits of sheep cheese

This cheese is a boon for your intestines. It fights bad cholesterol.
This cheese is a boon for your intestines. It fights bad cholesterol.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

11:09 AM EDT, August 26, 2024

Do you want to boost your immunity, improve digestion, and maintain heart health? Include sheep cheese in your diet! This traditional cheese, full of beneficial probiotic bacteria, is a true treasure for our bodies. Discover why sheep cheese should be on your plate.

While many people seek natural ways to enhance their health, sheep cheese—a traditional Highland product with unique health-promoting properties—is worth paying attention to. Sheep cheese, known for its intense flavor and aroma, is rich in nutrients that contribute to the better functioning of our bodies. It supports not only the immune system but also lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Properties of bryndza

Bryndza is a soft cheese made from sheep's milk, sometimes with the addition of cow's milk. It has a specific, salty, and slightly tangy taste. Produced from May to September, sheep cheese is tasty and an exceptionally healthy choice. Regular consumption can bring numerous health benefits, such as improved gut function and support for the immune system.

Natural ingredients and benefits

Thanks to its vitamin content (A, D, E, and B group) and minerals (calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus), sheep cheese supports the functioning of many organs and systems in our bodies. It's also worth noting that this traditional cheese contains probiotics, which positively affect the intestinal microflora. Regular consumption of sheep cheese may, therefore:

  • lower bad cholesterol levels,
  • improve digestion,
  • support the immune system,
  • protect against infections.

Who should avoid sheep cheese?

Despite its numerous health benefits, sheep cheese is not for everyone. Special caution should be taken by those who cannot consume products made from unpasteurized milk. Traditionally made sheep cheese from raw milk carries a risk of infection with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can cause a dangerous disease called listeriosis. For this reason, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid consuming sheep cheese from raw milk. Fortunately, options made from pasteurized milk are available on the market, which are safer for such groups of people.

However, it's worth remembering that sheep cheese from pasteurized milk differs from the traditional kind regarding safety, taste, and nutritional value. Pasteurization eliminates harmful and beneficial bacteria, which means sheep cheese may be poorer in probiotics. Nevertheless, it can still be a healthy alternative, especially for those who want to reap the benefits of cheese but must avoid products made from raw milk.

How to eat sheep cheese

Bryndza is an extremely versatile product that can be used in many ways. It tastes great:

  • On sandwiches: With butter, cucumber, and tomato.
  • In salads: Add sheep cheese to Greek or Caprese salad.
  • In main dishes: Use sheep cheese as a filling for dumplings, pancakes, or potato cakes.
  • As an addition to soups: Sheep cheese goes perfectly with potato soups.

Remember, sheep cheese is not only a tasty addition to dishes but also a source of many valuable nutrients. Include it in your diet and enjoy its health benefits!

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